Under what conditions is marriage dissolved?

Marriage is dissolved primarily under two significant conditions: through the death of one party involved or through a formal legal process known as a judgment of dissolution, commonly referred to as divorce. When one spouse passes away, the marriage automatically ends, as it is a fundamental legal principle that marriage is a contract between living individuals. On the other hand, a judgment of dissolution requires the involvement of the judicial system, where a court evaluates and legally recognizes the end of the marriage through a decree.

This understanding distinguishes the formalities associated with marriage dissolution from other options that lack the necessary legal foundation. For instance, mutual consent alone does not typically finalize a marriage; legal proceedings are necessary to document and formalize the end of the marriage relationship. A notary agreement alone does not provide the requisite legal procedure to dissolve a marriage and cannot substitute for judicial action. Lastly, legal separation is a distinct legal status that does not end the marriage but rather allows couples to live apart while remaining legally married. Hence, option B encompasses the comprehensive conditions under which a marriage is legally considered dissolved.